Top 9 Rainy Day Activities in Charlottetown

‘Cause there’s so much to love about Charlottetown, even in the rain!

Worried about a little bit of rain putting a damper on your vacation plans? Fear not! There are plenty of fun indoor activities throughout Charlottetown to keep the whole gang entertained all the livelong day.

Here's our top 9 suggestions for things to do in any weather, but especially when Mother Nature is having an "off" day:

1) Confederation Centre of the Arts*Whether it's a perusal through Confederation Centre Art Gallery, featuring some of Canada's finest contemporary art, or taking in a free noon-time performance by the talented Young Company (rainy day location: Memorial Hall), it's a wonderful place to get your arts and culture fix while seeking refuge.

Photo by Louise Vessey

Photo by Marsha Gallant

2) Brewery ToursWhether it's a full blown brewery tour at the PEI Brewing Company, a spin to Upstreet Craft Brewing on Allen Street, or sampling the ever-changing craft beer selection (and vinyl collection) at the HopYard on Kent, Charlottetown is filled to the brim with awesome places to wet your whistle when the sunshine has other plans.

Photo by Stephen Harris

3) Owls Hollow*Located just off Capital Drive, Owls Hollow is a popular store that specializes in award-winning toys and games for children. They also have an indoor playland in the lower level that's filled with lots of toys and games for children of all ages to let their imaginations run wild.

Photo via Owls Hollow

4) The Alley*For an afternoon of glow bowling and delicious food & drink, look no further than The Alley. It's a newly renovated bowling alley and restaurant located in the Murphy Rec Centre on Richmond St (near Province House). The Centre also has a well-appointed gymnasium and offer children's camps during the summer.

Photo by Jared Doyle

5) Charlottetown Farmer's Market*Known by many locals and tourists alike as THE place to be on a Saturday morning (and Wednesdays all summer-long). From locally-grown produce and freshly-baked goods to hot authentic food and hand-crafted artisan products, a visit to "the market" is a great way to get an authentic taste of Island life.

Photo by Stephen Harris

6) That Fun Place*That Fun Place is a perfect option to help the kids burn off some energy. With a colorful, new indoor jungle gym, bouncy castles, climbing walls, and a large play structure, children can play for hours while parents sit back, relax, and enjoy a tea or coffee from the snack bar.

Photo via That Fun Place

7) Small Print Board Game CaféOpening in 2016, PEI's first board game café on Grafton Street has over 300 games to choose from, local craft beers on tap, and a variety of snacks to keep you fueled on a rainy afternoon.

Photo by Jennifer Samson

8) COWS Creamery*Ice cream is one of those delicacies that is delicious no matter the weather. With whimsical T-shirts and merchandise to laugh at, a free self-guided tour of the production areas available, and Canada's best ice cream at your fingertips, the COWS Creamery on the North River Causeway has it all.

Photo by Stephen Harris

9) Bell Aliant Centre*No beach? No problem. The Bell Aliant Centre aquatics facility at the University of Prince Edward Island has an extensive complex that features three pools, a hot tub, a huge slide, diving boards, and much more. You really can't go wrong spending your day splashing indoors at the Bell Aliant Centre in Charlottetown.

Photo via Bell Aliant Centre

*Family-friendly activities

Ellen Egan is a writer, editor, and native Islander living blissfully in downtown Charlottetown. She's also an avid traveller and is delighted to share her tips and tricks for making the most out of one of her favourite cities in the world. For more of her work, check out www.ellenegan.com.